A Callahan Christmas Promise

Beth opened the door, startled to find Fiona Callahan on the porch. She’d met the matriarch of the Callahan clan twice—and wasn’t surprised at all that she’d tossed a snowball to get their attention. “Fiona! Come in.”

The elderly woman beetled in, full of energy and wearing a smile, as well as a thick coat and lug-soled boots. “Gotcha,” she told Seanan.

“You certainly did. My heart’s still pounding.”

“Not only from the snowball, I’m sure.” She laid a basket of cookies on the kitchen table, and Beth could smell cinnamon and fresh-baked warmth. “I’m here to see my great-niece.”

“Why are you really here, Fiona?” Seanan asked. “The plan was that none of the Callahans would be at Rancho Diablo during the operation.”

“Well, they say these things. My family means well.” Fiona drifted to the front door. “Chief Running Bear and I have seen a lot of missions together, as you may know. We’re always keeping an eye on the ranch, if only in spirit.”

“Is he here?” Beth looked out the window, interested to meet the elusive, fabled chief of the Callahan clan. “Is it true that Running Bear’s son, Caw, is the one causing all the trouble?” That was what Seanan had explained to her on the drive back to the ranch.

“I doubt we’ll know anytime soon,” Fiona said, “but thank you for your service, Beth. I wondered if this assignment would be too much of a hardship for you, but you appear to be a levelheaded woman. And you have a great support team,” she said with a teasing glance at Seanan. “Good night.”

She disappeared as unceremoniously as she’d arrived, the door closing with a snick.

Beth knelt down next to the baby. The renowned Aunt Fiona hadn’t checked in just to stroke Flora’s cheek.

The sound of wild hoofbeats traveled to them on the wind, and she glanced at Seanan.

“Fiona’s not riding in this weather,” he said. “That’s something else.”